Manipulation input device, manipulation input system, and manipulation input method

ABSTRACT

A manipulation input device includes a projection component, a photodetector and an inclination determination component. The projection component projects an image on a projection surface by scanning light from a light source. The photodetector detects as scattered light the light reflected by a manipulation object. The inclination determination component acquires, for a plurality of scan lines of the light, position information of the manipulation object that is specified based on scanning angle information when the photodetector has detected the scattered light, and width information of the manipulation object that corresponds to a continuous detection duration during which the photodetector continuously detects the scattered light. The inclination determination component determines inclination of the manipulation object based on at least one of a temporal change in a plurality of sets of the width information and a temporal change in a plurality of sets of the position information.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No.2013-118130 filed on Jun. 4, 2013. The entire disclosure of JapanesePatent Application No. 2013-118130 is hereby incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a manipulation input deviceand a manipulation input method. More specifically, the presentinvention relates to a manipulation input device and a manipulationinput method for executing input by user manipulation on a projectedscreen.

2. Background Information

Conventionally, a sensor device is well known in the art that detectsthe coordinates of an object used for manipulation input by using ascanning light beam that produced a projected image (see JapaneseUnexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-026936 (PatentLiterature 1), for example). With the sensor device in Patent Literature1, first a light beam emitted from a light source is scanned verticallyand horizontally by a deflector and thereby projected on an irradiatedsurface. When a manipulation object moves into a detection space thatincludes the irradiated surface, a photodetector receives the light beamreflected by the manipulation object, and generates a light receptionsignal. This sensor device outputs a timing signal at a timingcorresponding to discrete scanning points of the light beam on theirradiated surface. The sensor device recognizes an object bydetermining the coordinates of the manipulation object on the irradiatedsurface based on the timing signal and the output of the photodetector.

That is, the sensor device in Patent Literature 1 is configured to allowreflected light from the manipulation object to be received by thephotodetector. Thus, the light reception signal of the photodetector ismonitored to detect that the manipulation object has moved into adetection space, and the detection position is determined from this andfrom the above-mentioned timing signal. This makes possible user inputmanipulation corresponding to the specified detection position.

SUMMARY

With the sensor device in accordance with Patent Literature 1, it hasbeen discovered that since the light beam is scanned within thedetection space, a position that is away from the distal end of themanipulation object can be detected. For example, if the user holds themanipulation object at an angle, there will be an error between thedetected position and the position of the distal end, which is theactual designated coordinates, due to the tilted manipulation object.Accordingly, this creates problems such as a loss of manipulationconvenience due to the fact that the pointer on the irradiated surfacedoes not coincide with the detection position. This problem can be dealtwith by detecting the distal end using a calibration function, detectingthe inclination of a manipulation object using a plurality of lightreceiving elements, etc. However, this makes user manipulation anddevice configuration more complicated.

One aspect is to provide a manipulation input device, a manipulationinput system, and a manipulation input method with which usermanipulation convenience are ensured with a simplified deviceconfiguration while user input manipulation can be accurately detected.

In view of the state of the known technology, a manipulation inputdevice is provided that includes a projection component, a photodetectorand an inclination determination component. The projection component isconfigured to project an image on a projection surface by scanning lightfrom a light source. The photodetector is configured to detect asscattered light the light reflected by a manipulation object that hasmoved into a specific detection range including the projection surface.The inclination determination component is configured to acquire, for aplurality of scan lines of the light, position information of themanipulation object that is specified based on scanning angleinformation when the photodetector has detected the scattered light, andwidth information of the manipulation object that corresponds to acontinuous detection duration during which the photodetectorcontinuously detects the scattered light, the inclination determinationcomponent being further configured to determine inclination of themanipulation object based on at least one of a temporal change in aplurality of sets of the width information and a temporal change in aplurality of sets of the position information.

Also other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with theannexed drawings, discloses one embodiment of the manipulation inputdevice, the manipulation input system, and the manipulation inputmethod.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of thisoriginal disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a manipulation input system inaccordance with a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the manipulation input system illustratedin FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the manipulation input system,illustrating an inclination direction of a manipulation pen, a detectionspace, and a scanning range of a manipulation input device of themanipulation input system;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle behinddetecting a detection width of a manipulation object in a main scanningdirection;

FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a state when a plurality of detectionwidths of the manipulation pen are detected in a state S3;

FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a state when a plurality of detectionwidths of the manipulation pen are detected in a state S0;

FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating a state when a plurality of detectionwidths of the manipulation pen are detected in a state S4;

FIG. 5D is a graph illustrating changes in the detection widths in thestates S0, S3, and S4;

FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a state when a plurality of detectionwidths of the manipulation pen are detected in a state S2;

FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a state when a plurality of detectionwidths of the manipulation pen are detected in the state S0;

FIG. 6C is a diagram illustrating a state when a plurality of detectionwidths of the manipulation pen are detected in a state S1;

FIG. 6D is a graph illustrating changes in the detection widths in thestates S0, S1, and S2;

FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating changes in position information and widthinformation when the inclination of the manipulation object isdynamically changed in a Y axis direction;

FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating changes in position information and widthinformation when the inclination of the manipulation object isdynamically changed in an X axis direction; and

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a manipulation input method inaccordance with the first embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to thedrawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments areprovided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting theinvention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.Specifically, the numerical values, shapes, materials, constituentelements, layout positions and connection mode of the constituentelements, steps, the order of steps and so forth described in thefollowing embodiments are provided all just for illustration only andnot for the purpose of limiting the invention. The invention is merelydefined by the appended claims. Of the constituent elements in thefollowing embodiments, those not discussed in an independent claim arenot necessarily required, but will be described for understanding of theembodiments.

First Embodiment

Basic Configuration of Manipulation Input Device

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a manipulation input system 1 isillustrated in accordance with a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is asimplified diagram of the configuration of the manipulation input systemin accordance with a first embodiment. The manipulation input system 1in accordance with this embodiment basically includes a manipulationinput device 2, a manipulation display board 3, and a manipulation pen 4(e.g., a manipulation object).

The manipulation input device 2 emits projected light, scanning ithorizontally and vertically, from a projection opening 23 toward aprojection area 31 (e.g., a projection surface) disposed on the surfaceof the manipulation display board 3. Consequently, a manipulationinput-use image is projected in the projection area 31.

The user looks at the projected image on the projection area 31, anddesignates a position on the projection area 31 with a rod-shapedmanipulation object, such as the manipulation pen 4 or a finger,relative to the projected image. In the illustrated embodiment, themanipulation pen 4 is used as the manipulation object.

The manipulation input device 2 uses a light receiver 21 to detectprojected light that has been reflected or scattered by the manipulationpen 4 (hereinafter referred to collectively as scattered light). Thelight receiver 21 recognizes the position of the manipulation pen 4based on the above-mentioned detection result and the scanning state ofthe projected light beam, and specifies the coordinates of themanipulation pen 4 on the projection area 31 for each of a plurality ofscan lines of the projected light beam. The light receiver 21 alsocalculates the detection width of the manipulation pen 4 for each of theplurality of scan lines, and calculates the inclination of themanipulation pen 4 based on a temporal change in these detection widths.An opening region is provided to the light receiver 21 so that the lightreceiver 21 will be able to detect the scattered light from themanipulation pen 4 located in the projection area 31.

The manipulation input device 2 is a projector that measures positioninformation and inclination information about the manipulation pen 4 anddesignates the display content outputted to the projection area 31,which is the projection surface, or the control content of a computer(not shown) that is connected to the manipulation input device 2.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the manipulation input system 1. In thisembodiment, the manipulation input device 2 that is part of themanipulation input system 1 includes the light receiver 21, a scanningprojection component 22, the projection opening 23, a CPU 24, and amanipulation component 25. The constituent elements of the manipulationinput device 2 will now be described.

The scanning projection component 22 is a projector that makes use ofthe laser scanning method, and includes a laser beam generator and adriver controller. The laser beam outputted by the laser beam generatoris alternately scanned in the main scanning direction (horizontally),which is perpendicular to the projection direction of the laser beam,and the sub-scanning direction (vertically), which is perpendicular tothe main scanning direction, to project an image on the surface of theprojection area 31. The laser beam generator, for example, includesthree laser light sources 226A, 226B, and 226C, dichroic mirrors 227Aand 227B, and a lens 228, and generates a laser beam that corresponds toimage information for use in image formation in the projection area 31.

The laser light sources 226A to 226C are laser diodes (LDs) that outputlaser beams with mutually different color components, and are drivenindependently of each other by drive current supplied individually froma light source driver 223, thereby outputting laser beams ofmonochromatic components. Consequently, monochromatic component laserbeams of specific wavelengths are emitted, such as a red component (R)from the laser light source 226A, a green component (G) from the laserlight source 226B, and a blue component (B) from the laser light source226C.

The dichroic mirrors 227A and 227B transmit only laser light of aspecific wavelength, and reflect the rest, which combines the laserbeams of the various color components emitted from the laser lightsources 226A to 226C. More specifically, laser beams of red and greencomponents emitted from the laser light sources 226A and 226B arecombined at the dichroic mirror 227A on the upstream side of the opticalpath, and the resulting beam is emitted to the dichroic mirror 227B onthe downstream side of the optical path. The combined beam thus emittedis further combined with the laser beam of the blue component emittedfrom the laser light source 226C at the dichroic mirror 227B, and isemitted at a scanning mirror 229 as the final, targeted color light.

The scanning mirror 229 deflects and scans the laser beam combined atthe above-mentioned laser beam generator, and thereby projects an imagein the projection area 31 on the manipulation display board 3. A MEMS(micro-electro-mechanical system) type of scanning mirror, which isadvantageous in terms of small size, low power consumption, and fasterprocessing, for example, is used as the scanning mirror 229. Thescanning mirror 229 is scanned and displaced in the horizontal direction(X) and the vertical direction (Y) by a scanning driver 225 to whichdrive signals are inputted from a scanning controller 224.

A video processor 221 sends video data to a light source controller 222at regular time intervals based on video signals inputted from theoutside (such as a personal computer). As a result, the light sourcecontroller 222 obtains pixel information at a specific scanningposition. The video processor 221 also sends scanning angle information,that is, information about the scanning position of projected light at acertain time, to the light receiver 21.

The light source controller 222 controls the light source driver 223with drive current waveform signals in order to project video formed ofa plurality of pixels in a projection range based on the above-mentionedpixel information.

The light source driver 223 generates light by driving the laser lightsources 226A to 226C under control by the light source controller 222.The laser light sources 226A to 226C generate and output laser beamswhen current is supplied at or above an oscillation threshold currentvalue from the light source driver 223, and output laser beams whoseoutput (light quantity) increases in proportion to the amount of currentbeing supplied. The laser light sources 226A to 226C stop outputtinglaser beams when current below the oscillation threshold current valueis supplied.

The light receiver 21 includes a photodetector 211, a positionspecification component 212, and an inclination determination component213.

The photodetector 211 detects scattered light from the manipulation pen4 that has moved into the detection space (this light coming from theprojected light beam scanned by the scanning projection component 22),and sends a detection signal indicating the detection to the positionspecification component 212 and the inclination determination component213.

When the above-mentioned detection signal is received from thephotodetector 211, the position specification component 212 specifiesthe scanning position in the projection area 31 of the projected lightbeam at the point of detection of the manipulation pen 4 that has movedinto the detection space based on the scanning angle informationreceived from the video processor 221.

The inclination determination component 213 acquires, for a plurality ofscan lines of the projected light beam, the continuous detectionduration during which the photodetector 211 continuously detects thescattered light while the scanning projection component 22 is scanningin the main scanning direction (horizontally), based on the detectionsignal of the photodetector 211. The inclination determination component213 calculates, as the detection width of the manipulation pen 4, thescanning interval in the projection area 31 corresponding to thecontinuous detection duration, from the continuous detection durationand the scanning rate or speed at which the projected light beam isscanned. The inclination determination component 213 calculates theabove-mentioned detection width for each of the plurality of scan lines.The inclination determination component 213 also acquires theabove-mentioned scanning position of the manipulation pen 4 specified bythe position specification component 212, for each of the plurality ofscan lines. The inclination determination component 213 then determinesthe inclination of the manipulation pen 4 based on a temporal change inthe plurality of detection widths and/or a temporal change in thescanning positions. In other words, the inclination determinationcomponent 213 acquires the width and the scanning position at eachportion of the manipulation pen 4 in the main scanning direction whenthe manipulation pen 4 is detected, and calculates the inclination ofthe manipulation pen 4 based on the change in the plurality of acquiredwidths and scanning positions.

The CPU 24 is a processor that gives instructions to the drivecontroller of the scanning projection component 22. The CPU 24 has amemory that holds data for controlling the scanning state of thescanning mirror 229, etc.

The manipulation component 25 accepts manipulation to switch on thepower supply of the manipulation input device 2, manipulation to changethe angle of projection of image information, manipulation to change theresolution of the projected image, and so on.

The manipulation input device 2 executes the above-mentioned controlcontent or displays the above-mentioned display content based on theinclination of the manipulation pen 4 determined by the inclinationdetermination component 213. In the illustrated embodiment, executing ofthe control content or displaying the display content is an example of amanipulation event of the present invention.

Calculation Principle of Manipulation Input Device

The principle by which the manipulation input device 2 specifies theinclination of the manipulation object will now be described.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the manipulation input system 1,illustrating the inclination direction of the manipulation pen 4, thedetection space, and the scanning range of the manipulation input device2. The projected light beam emitted from the scanning projectioncomponent 22 through the projection opening 23 displays the projectedimage in the projection area 31 by scanning over the projection area 31.The light receiver 21 also detects the scattered light from themanipulation pen 4 when the manipulation pen 4 has moved into thedetection space, which is a light detection range (e.g., a specificdetection range) of the light receiver 21 that is limited to within apredetermined range in a direction perpendicular to the projection area31.

In the states S0 to S4 of the manipulation pen 4, the distal end of themanipulation pen 4 indicates substantially the same point in theprojection area 31, while the inclination of the manipulation pen 4 isdifferent in each state. The state S0 is a state in which themanipulation pen 4 is pointed in the normal direction of the surface ofthe projection area 31. The states S1 and S2 are states in which themanipulation pen 4 has been inclined from the state S0 in the negativedirection of the Y axis (a direction moving toward the light source O(see FIG. 4)) and the positive direction (a direction moving away fromthe light source O), respectively. The states S3 and S4 are states inwhich the manipulation pen 4 has been inclined from the state S0 in thenegative direction of the X axis (the negative horizontal scanningdirection at line m) and the positive direction (the positive horizontalscanning direction at line m), respectively. The manipulation inputdevice 2 in accordance with this embodiment detects this state changeand produces manipulation input that reflects this detection result. Inthe illustrated embodiment, for example, the light source O as areference point is defined by a light emitting or reflecting point onthe scanning mirror 229 that deflects and scans the laser beam. However,the light source O can be differently defined as needed and/or desired.

FIG. 3 illustrates a state in which the manipulation pen 4 is inclinedonly in either the X axis direction or the Y axis direction. However,the inclination can be in a mixture of both axial directions.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle behinddetecting the detection width of the manipulation pen 4 in the mainscanning direction. As shown on the left side in FIG. 4, themanipulation pen 4 is detected in the interval while the projected lightbeam is being scanned horizontally between the starting point P(ts(m))of the m-th horizontal scan (in the main scanning direction) and thestarting point P(ts(m+1)) of the (m+1)-th horizontal scan. P(t) is afunction expressing the scanning angle at time t. At this point, thescattered light is detected in the scanning interval between P(t0) andP(t1), as best shown in the middle and on the right side in FIG. 4. Thescanning interval of P(t0) to P(t1) here is the interval in which thescanning light beam crosses the manipulation pen 4 while the scanningprojection component 22 is scanning horizontally, and is the detectionwidth W(m) at which the photodetector 211 continuously detects thescattered light from the manipulation pen 4. Next, the principle will bedescribed by which the manipulation input device 2 acquires theinclination information about the manipulation pen 4 by using theabove-mentioned detection principle for the detection width.

FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating a state when the plurality ofdetection widths of the manipulation pen 4 are detected in the state S3.FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a state when the plurality ofdetection widths of the manipulation pen 4 are detected in the state S0.FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating a state when the plurality ofdetection widths of the manipulation pen 4 are detected in the state S4.FIGS. 5A to 5C are views of the manipulation pen 4 from the light sourceO side, and illustrate how the scan lines [N] to [N+7] cross themanipulation pen 4 in a plurality of main scanning directions(horizontal directions).

As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, the continuous detection duration duringwhich the photodetector 211 continuously detects the scattered lightchanges according to the inclination of the manipulation pen 4 in the Xaxis direction. Furthermore, the X coordinate detection positions (i.e.,the scanning angles) at which the scan lines pass through themanipulation pen 4 change, respectively.

FIG. 5D is a graph illustrating the changes in the detection widths instates S0, S3, and S4. In this graph, the horizontal axis indicates theposition of the scan lines (e.g., line number), and the vertical axisindicates the detection width. In the illustrated embodiment, themanipulation pen 4 can have a shape that is pointed at the distal end,rather than being uniformly cylindrical. In this case, as shown in thegraph in FIG. 5D, sharp inclination near the scan line [N] indicates asudden change in the detection width from the distal end of themanipulation pen 4 to the main cylindrical part.

Meanwhile, from near the scan line [N+1] to [N+7], the states S0, S3,and S4 are all the same in that the detection width increases slightlywhen there is an increase in the line number of the scan lines. This canbe attributed to the following. When the height of the light source O,as shown in FIG. 3, is taken into account, the distance between thelight source O and the distal end of the manipulation pen 4 is longerthan the distance between the light source O and the upper part of themanipulation pen 4. Therefore, at the surface of the projection area 31,the detection width will be greater at the upper part of themanipulation pen 4, where the distance to the light source O is shorter.From near the scan line [N+1] to [N+7], the detection width in states S3and S4 is greater than the detection width in state S0. That is, thegreater is the inclination in the X axis direction from the normal lineof the projection area 31, the greater will be the detection width ateach scan line.

When the inclination of the manipulation pen 4 in the state S3 iscalculated, the inclination determination component 213 acquires fromthe position specification component 212 the X coordinate detectionposition (P(t)) in FIG. 4) for every scan line in which the continuousdetection duration is detected. Consequently, the inclinationdetermination component 213 can acquire the scanning distance (X1-X0) inFIG. 5A. Thus, it is possible to calculate the inclination of themanipulation pen 4 in the X axis direction. That is, the inclinationdetermination component 213 determines the inclination of themanipulation pen 4 in the main scanning direction according to thechange rate in the above-mentioned X coordinate detection position withrespect to the change in the plurality of scan lines projected on thesame manipulation pen 4.

Also, in this embodiment the inclination determination component 213determines the inclination of the manipulation pen 4 in the mainscanning direction to be greater the larger is the above-mentionedchange rate.

Similarly, the inclination determination component 213 can determine theinclination in the X axis direction of the manipulation pen 4 in thestates S4 and S0.

FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a state when the plurality ofdetection widths of the manipulation pen 4 are detected in the state S2.FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a state when the plurality ofdetection widths of the manipulation pen 4 are detected in the state S0.FIG. 6C is a diagram illustrating a state when the plurality ofdetection widths of the manipulation pen 4 are detected in the state S1.FIGS. 6A to 6C are views of the manipulation pen 4 from the light sourceO side, and illustrate how the scan lines [N] to [N+7] cross themanipulation pen 4 in a plurality of main scanning directions(horizontal directions).

As shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the continuous detection duration duringwhich the photodetector 211 continuously detects the scattered lightchanges according to the inclination of the manipulation pen 4 in the Yaxis direction. Consequently, the detection width obtained for each scanline varies. This can be attributed to the following. When the height ofthe light source O, as shown in FIG. 3, is taken into account, the sizerelation between the distance from the light source O to the distal endof the manipulation pen 4 and the distance from the light source O tothe upper part of the manipulation pen 4 varies according to theinclination of the manipulation pen 4 in the Y axis direction. Also, thedetection width will be greater the shorter is the distance between thelight source and the various parts of the manipulation pen 4 at thesurface of the projection area 31. That is, the distance between thelight source O and the detected part of the manipulation pen 4 will varyfor each scan line depending on the inclination of the manipulation pen4 in the Y axis direction.

FIG. 6D is a graph illustrating changes in the detection widths in thestates S0, S1, and S2. In this graph, the horizontal axis indicates theposition of the scan lines (e.g., line number), and the vertical axisindicates the detection width. In the illustrated embodiment, themanipulation pen 4 can have a shape that is pointed at the distal end,rather than being uniformly cylindrical. In this case, as shown in thegraph in FIG. 6D, sharp inclination near the scan line [N] indicates asudden change in the detection width from the distal end of themanipulation pen 4 to the main cylindrical part.

Meanwhile, from near the scan line [N+1] to [N+7], the states S0, S1,and S2 are all the same in that the detection width increases along withthe line number of the scan lines. This can be attributed to thefollowing. In all of the states S0, S1, and S2, the distance between thelight source O and the distal end of the manipulation pen 4 is longerthan the distance between the light source O and the uppermost part ofthe manipulation pen 4. Accordingly, at the surface of the projectionarea 31, the detection width is greater at the uppermost part of themanipulation pen 4 where the distance to the light source O is shorter.From near the scan line [N+1] to [N+7], the increase in the detectionwidth in the state S0 is greater than that in the state S2, and greaterin the state S1 than in the state S2, with respect to a positive changein the scan line (as the line number increasing). That is, the greateris the inclination in the negative direction of the Y axis directionfrom the normal line of the projection area 31, the greater will be thechange rate in the detection width at each scan line.

When the inclination of the manipulation pen 4 in the state S1 iscalculated, the inclination determination component 213 calculates thedetection width at each scan line based on the detection signal of thephotodetector 211. Consequently, the inclination determination component213 can acquire the change rate in the detection width between theplurality of scan lines. Thus, it is possible to calculate theinclination of the manipulation pen 4 in the Y axis direction. That is,the inclination determination component 213 determines the inclinationof the manipulation pen 4 in the sub-scanning direction according to thechange rate in the detection width with respect to the change in theplurality of scan lines projected on the same manipulation pen 4.

Also, in this embodiment the inclination determination component 213determines the inclination of the manipulation pen 4 in the sub-scanningdirection to be greater the larger is the change rate in the detectionwidth.

Similarly, the inclination determination component 213 can determine theinclination in the Y axis direction of the manipulation pen 4 in thestates S2 and S0.

FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating changes in the position information andthe width information when the inclination of the manipulation pen 4 isdynamically changed in the Y axis direction. FIG. 7 illustrates a graphof the temporal change in the detection width and the X coordinatedetection position when the manipulation pen 4 is dynamically changedfrom the state S0 to the state S1, back to the state S0, and then to thestate S2. Here, the scan line [N+a] is the scan line that scans thedistal end of the manipulation pen 4, and the scan line [N+b] is thescan line that scans the upper part of the manipulation pen 4. In thecase of the above-mentioned dynamic change, the manipulation pen 4 doesnot change in the X axis direction. Thus, the X coordinate detectionposition remains constant for both the scan lines [N+a] and [N+b]. Onthe other hand, if the manipulation pen 4 is inclined in the Y axisnegative direction (i.e., from the state S0 to the state S1), then thedetection width at the scan line [N+b] increases steadily, and if themanipulation pen 4 is inclined in the Y axis positive direction (i.e.,from the state S1 to the state S2 via the state S0), then the detectionwidth at the scan line [N+b] decreases steadily.

FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating changes in the position information andthe width information when the inclination of the manipulation pen 4 isdynamically changed in the X axis direction. FIG. 8 illustrates a graphof the temporal change in the detection width and the X coordinatedetection position when the manipulation pen 4 is dynamically changedfrom the state S0 to the state S3, back to the state S0, and then to thestate S4. In the case of the above-mentioned dynamic change, if themanipulation pen 4 is inclined in the X axis negative direction (i.e.,from the state S0 to the state S3), then the X coordinate detectionposition at the scan line [N+b] decreases steadily. The detection widthat the scan lines [N+a] and [N+b] increases steadily as the inclinationangle increases. When the manipulation pen 4 is inclined in the X axispositive direction (i.e., from the state S3 to the state S4 via thestate S0), then the X coordinate detection position at the scan line[N+b] increases steadily. The detection widths at the scan lines [N+a]and [N+b] increases or decreases along with the inclination angle.

As discussed above, even if the inclination of the manipulation pen 4changes dynamically, because the light receiver 21 or the CPU 24 hasalready acquired characteristic data about the detection width and the Xcoordinate detection position with respect to the dynamic change asshown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the inclination determination component 213 isable to calculate the dynamic change in the inclination of themanipulation pen 4.

Effect

In order to acquire a plurality of sets of width information in thelength direction of a manipulation object, a plurality of photodiodeswith different light reception ranges in the height direction can beused for example. With the plurality of photodiodes, object detectioncan be performed, and the inclination of the manipulation object can becalculated based on the width information about the object detected byeach of the photodiodes. In this case, however, the photodiodes must bedisposed precisely, which makes the device configuration morecomplicated.

On the other hand, with the manipulation input device 2, the scatteredlight from the manipulation pen 4 (e.g., the manipulation object) can bedetected in the projected image without the use of the plurality oflight receiving elements. Furthermore, the plurality of sets of widthinformation and the plurality of sets of position informationcorresponding to the various parts of the manipulation pen 4 can beacquired with a single light receiving element. Thus, user inputmanipulation using the inclination information about the manipulationpen 4 is possible without sacrificing user manipulation convenience andwithout making the device configuration more complicated.

Manipulation Input Method

The manipulation input method in accordance with the first embodiment ofthe present invention will now be described.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the manipulation input method inaccordance with the first embodiment. The manipulation input method inaccordance with this embodiment is a method for designating the displaycontent to be outputted to the projection area 31 (e.g., the projectionsurface) or the control content of the computer by using themanipulation pen 4 (e.g., the manipulation object) to manipulate thedesired position on the projection area 31 on which the image isdisplayed. More specifically, this manipulation input method involvesdetecting the static state of the manipulation pen 4 and storing theinclination state at that point. Then, a manipulation event is producedbased on the amount of change relative to the stored inclination state.

First, the scanning projection component 22 deflects and scans the lightbeam and emits the projected light beam toward the projection area 31(S10). Step S10 is a projection step in which the image is projected onthe surface of the projection area 31 by scanning the light outputted bythe laser light sources 226A, 226B, and 226C (e.g., the light sources)in the main scanning direction (horizontally) and the sub-scanningdirection (vertically).

Next, the position specification component 212 of the light receiver 21receives the scattered light from the manipulation pen 4 and determineswhether or not the manipulation pen 4 is stationary (e.g., in the staticstate) (S11).

Next, in step S11, if the manipulation pen 4 is determined to bestationary (Yes in step S11), then the inclination determinationcomponent 213 decides on a plurality of scan lines of the projectedlight beam for determining the inclination of the manipulation pen 4(S21).

Next, the inclination determination component 213 calculates a scanningposition approximation coefficient indicating the relation between thescan line position (e.g., the line number) and the scanning position ofthe manipulation pen 4 detected by this scan line (S22). Step S22includes a position specification step of specifying, for the pluralityof scan lines, the position information about the manipulation pen 4based on the scanning angle information for when the scattered lightfrom the manipulation pen 4 is detected. For example, in the illustratedembodiment, in step S22, the scanning position approximation coefficientcan be calculated by approximating the relation between the scan lineposition and the scanning position of the manipulation pen 4 using alinear function. Of course, the scanning position approximationcoefficient can be calculated in a different manner.

Next, the inclination determination component 213 calculates theinclination of the scanned object (e.g., the manipulation pen 4) in themain scanning direction (e.g., the X axis direction) based on theabove-mentioned scanning position approximation coefficient (S23). Forexample, in the illustrated embodiment, the inclination of themanipulation pen 4 in the X axis direction can be calculated based onthe first derivative or slope of the linear function (step S22)indicative of the relation between the scan line position and thescanning position of the manipulation pen 4. In particular, theinclination determination component 213 can calculate the inclination ofthe manipulation pen 4 based on a predetermined table storing therelation between the inclination of the manipulation pen 4 and the slopeof the linear function (step S22). Of course, the inclination of themanipulation pen 4 can be calculated in a different manner.

Next, the inclination determination component 213 calculates a detectionwidth approximation coefficient indicating the relation between the scanline position (e.g., the line number) and the detection width detectedby this scan line (S24). Step S24 is a width acquisition step ofacquiring, for the plurality of scan lines, the width information aboutthe manipulation pen 4 corresponding to the continuous detectionduration during which the scattered light from the manipulation pen 4 iscontinuously detected. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, instep S24, the detection width approximation coefficient can becalculated by approximating the relation between the scan line positionand the detection width of the manipulation pen 4 using a linearfunction (W=aL+b). Of course, the detection width approximationcoefficient can be calculated in a different manner.

Next, the inclination determination component 213 calculates theinclination of the scanned object (e.g., the manipulation pen 4) in thesub-scanning direction (e.g., the Y axis direction) based on theabove-mentioned detection width approximation coefficient (S25). Forexample, in the illustrated embodiment, the inclination of themanipulation pen 4 in the Y axis direction can be calculated based onthe first derivative or slope of the linear function (step S24)indicative of the relation between the scan line position and thedetection width of the manipulation pen 4. In particular, theinclination determination component 213 can calculate the inclination ofthe manipulation pen 4 based on a predetermined table storing therelation between the inclination of the manipulation pen 4 and the slopeof the linear function (step S24). Of course, the inclination of themanipulation pen 4 can be calculated in a different manner.

Next, the CPU 24 acquires the inclination of the manipulation pen 4 inthe main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction from theinclination determination component 213, and stores this inclination asthe reference inclination state of the manipulation pen 4 (S26).

Steps S23, S25, and S26 are static state storage steps in which theinclination of the manipulation pen 4 in the static state is determinedbased on the temporal change in the above-mentioned plurality of sets ofposition information and/or the temporal change in the above-mentionedplurality of sets of width information, and the inclination informationabout this static state is stored.

Next, if it is determined in step S11 that the manipulation pen 4 is notstationary (No in step S11), then the inclination determinationcomponent 213 determines whether or not the distal end of themanipulation pen 4 is stationary (S31).

Next, if it is determined in step S31 that the distal end of themanipulation pen 4 is stationary (Yes in step S31), then the inclinationdetermination component 213 calculates the scanning positionapproximation coefficient indicating the relation between the scan lineposition (e.g., the line number) and the scanning position of themanipulation pen 4 detected by this scan line (S32). Step S32 includes aposition specification step of specifying, for the plurality of scanlines, the position information about the manipulation pen 4 based onthe scanning angle information for when the scattered light from themanipulation pen 4 is detected. For example, in the illustratedembodiment, in step S32, the scanning position approximation coefficientcan be calculated in a manner same as the calculation in step S22.

Next, the inclination determination component 213 calculates theinclination of the scanned object (e.g., the manipulation pen 4) in themain scanning direction (e.g., the X axis direction) from theabove-mentioned scanning position approximation coefficient (S33). Forexample, in the illustrated embodiment, in step S33, the inclination ofthe manipulation pen 4 can be calculated in a manner same as thecalculation in step S23.

If it is determined in step S31 that the distal end of the manipulationpen 4 is not stationary (No in step S31), then the inclinationdetermination component 213 ends calculation of the inclination of themanipulation pen 4.

Next, the inclination determination component 213 calculates a detectionwidth approximation coefficient indicating the relation between the scanline position (e.g., the line number) and the detection width detectedby this scan line (S34). Step S34 is a width acquisition step ofacquiring, for the plurality of scan lines, the width information aboutthe manipulation pen 4 corresponding to the continuous detectionduration during which the scattered light from the manipulation pen 4 iscontinuously detected. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, instep S34, the detection width approximation coefficient can becalculated in a manner same as the calculation in step S24.

Next, the inclination determination component 213 calculates theinclination of the scanned object (e.g., the manipulation pen 4) in thesub-scanning direction (e.g., the Y axis direction) based on theabove-mentioned detection width approximation coefficient (S35). Forexample, in the illustrated embodiment, in step S35, the inclination ofthe manipulation pen 4 can be calculated in a manner same as thecalculation in step S25.

Next, the CPU 24 acquires the current inclination of the manipulationpen 4 in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction fromthe inclination determination component 213, and calculates differenceinformation about the inclination of the manipulation pen 4 based on thecurrent inclination and the previously acquired reference inclination(S36). Step S36 is a difference information calculation step in which,if the inclination of the manipulation pen 4 is changing dynamically,then the inclination of the manipulation pen 4 in the dynamic state isdetermined based on the temporal change in the above-mentioned pluralityof sets of position information and/or the temporal change in theabove-mentioned plurality of sets of width information, and thedifference information about the inclination of the manipulation objectis calculated from the inclination information in this dynamic state andthe inclination information in the static state.

Finally, the CPU 24 produces the manipulation event based on thedifference information about the inclination of the manipulation pen 4(S37). Step S37 is an input step of executing the above-mentionedcontrol content or of displaying the above-mentioned display content,based on the inclination of the manipulation pen 4.

With the above manipulation input method, the inclination is detectedindependently for the main scanning direction and the sub-scanningdirection. However, the manipulation event can be produced by combiningthe inclination in the above two directions by weighting, etc.Alternatively, it can be produced by employing just the direction withthe greater amount of inclination. Furthermore, the configuration can besuch that inclination information in the two directions is combined orselected according to the application.

Effect

With the above manipulation input method, the scattered light from themanipulation pen 4 (e.g., the manipulation object) can be detected inthe projected image without using the plurality of light receivingelements. Furthermore, the plurality of sets of width information andthe plurality of sets of position information corresponding to thevarious parts of the manipulation pen 4 can be acquired with a singlelight receiving element. Thus, the manipulation event using theinclination information about the manipulation pen 4 can be producedwithout sacrificing user manipulation convenience and without making thedevice configuration more complicated.

Second Embodiment

A manipulation input system in accordance with a second embodiment willnow be explained. In view of the similarity between the first and secondembodiments, the parts of the second embodiment that are identical tothe parts of the first embodiment will be given the same referencenumerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Moreover, thedescriptions of the parts of the second embodiment that are identical tothe parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake ofbrevity. The manipulation input system in accordance with thisembodiment includes the manipulation input device 2 (see FIG. 1) inaccordance with the first embodiment, the manipulation pen 4 (seeFIG. 1) that designates the position within the projection area 31 to beinputted, and the manipulation display board 3 on which the projectionarea 31 is displayed. The manipulation input device 2 calculates inputcoordinates of the manipulation pen 4 in the projection area 31 based onthe scanning position of the manipulation pen 4 specified by theposition specification component 212, and changes the size of the cursoror image to be displayed at these coordinates according to theinclination information determined by the inclination determinationcomponent 213.

For example, the larger is the inclination angle of the manipulation pen4, the more the size of the cursor or image to be displayed in theprojection area 31 is increased. On the other hand, the smaller is theinclination angle of the manipulation pen 4, the more the size of thecursor or image to be displayed in the projection area 31 is decreased.That is, this manipulation input system can be applied as a graphic toolthat corresponds the inclination information of the manipulation pen 4relative to the normal line of the projection area 31 to the thicknessof the drawing lines.

Effect

With the manipulation input system in accordance with this embodiment,the inclination information about the manipulation pen 4 can beeffectively used. Thus, this inclination information can be used toprovide the user with an application that is more convenient.

The manipulation input device, the manipulation input system, and themanipulation input method in accordance with the embodiments aredescribed above. However, the present invention is not limited to or bythe above embodiments.

In the above embodiments, an example is given of the configuration ofthe scanning projection component 22 in which laser beams of three colorcomponents, namely, a red component (R), a green component (G), and ablue component (B), are combined, and this combined light is scanned bya scanning mirror to project and display a color image on the projectionsurface. However, the present invention can also be applied to variouskinds of image display device that displays a color image by combininglaser beams of different color components outputted from a plurality oflaser light sources. Also, in the above embodiments, an example is givenin which the combined light is in a state of white balance. However, itis clear from the above description that the present invention can alsobe applied to other specific color states.

Also, a laser light source is used as the light source in the aboveembodiments, but this is not the only option, and an LED (light emittingdiode) light source or the like can be used, for example, as the lightsource.

Also, the drive controller, the position specification component 212,the inclination determination component 213, the CPU 24, and themanipulation component 25 forming the above-mentioned manipulation inputdevice and the manipulation input system can more specifically be formedby a computer system made up of a microprocessor, a ROM, a RAM, a harddisk drive, a display unit, a keyboard, a mouse, and so forth. Computerprograms can be stored in the RAM or on the hard disk drive. Themicroprocessor operates according to a computer program, so that themanipulation input device and the manipulation input system of thepresent invention achieve their function. The “computer program” here ismade up of a combination of a plurality of command codes that giveinstructions to a computer in order to achieve a specific function.

Furthermore, these processors can be formed by a single system LSIC(large scale integrated circuit). A system LSIC is asuper-multifunctional LSIC manufactured by integrating a plurality ofcomponents on a single chip, and more specifically is a computer systemthat includes a microprocessor, a ROM, a RAM, etc. Computer programs arestored in the RAM. The system LSIC achieves its function when themicroprocessor operates according to a computer program.

These processors can also be formed by a single module or an IC cardthat can be inserted into and removed from the above-mentionedmanipulation input device and the manipulation input system. This moduleor IC card is a computer system made up of a microprocessor, a ROM, aRAM, etc. The module or IC card can also include the above-mentionedsuper-multifunctional LSIC. When the microprocessor operates accordingto a computer program, the module or IC card achieves its function. Thismodule or IC card can be tamper resistant.

Another aspect of the present invention is a manipulation input method.Specifically, the manipulation input method in accordance with thepresent invention is a manipulation input method for designating thedisplay content to be outputted to a projection surface or the controlcontent of a computer by using a manipulation object to manipulate thedesired position on a projection surface on which an image is displayed,the method comprising a projection step of projecting the image on theprojection surface by scanning light outputted by a light source, adetection step of detecting scattered light from the manipulation objectwhen the manipulation object has moved into a specific detection rangethat includes the projection surface, a position specification step ofspecifying, for a plurality of scan lines, position information aboutthe manipulation object based on scanning angle information for when thescattered light is detected in the detection step, a width acquisitionstep of acquiring, for the plurality of scan lines, width informationabout the manipulation object corresponding to a continuous detectionduration during which the scattered light is continuously detected inthe detection step, an inclination determination step of determining theinclination of the manipulation object based on a temporal change in theplurality of sets of position information determined in the positiondetermination step and/or a temporal change in the plurality of sets ofwidth information acquired in the width acquisition step, and an inputstep of executing the control content or displaying the display contentbased on the inclination of the manipulation object determined in theinclination determination step.

The present invention can also be a computer program with which theabove-mentioned manipulation input method is carried out by a computer,or a digital signal formed of the above-mentioned computer program.

Furthermore, the present invention can be such that the above-mentionedcomputer program or the above-mentioned digital signal is recorded to apermanent recording medium that can be read by a computer, such as aflexible disk, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, a DVD, a DVD-ROM, aDVD-RAM, a BD (Blu-Ray™ Disc), or a semiconductor memory. It can also bethe above-mentioned digital signal that is recorded to one of thesepermanent recording media.

The present invention can also be such that the above-mentioned computerprogram or the above-mentioned digital signal is transmitted via anelectrical communications line, a wireless or wired communications line,a network (such as the Internet), data broadcast, etc.

The present invention can also be a computer system including amicroprocessor and a memory, in which the memory stores theabove-mentioned computer program, and the microprocessor operatesaccording to the above-mentioned computer program.

Also, the present invention can be realized by another, independentcomputer system, if the above-mentioned program or the above-mentioneddigital signal is recorded to one of the above-mentioned permanentrecording media and transferred, or if the above-mentioned program orthe above-mentioned digital signal is transferred via theabove-mentioned network, etc.

The present invention can be applied to a projector or the like thatprojects onto a projection surface an image outputted by a personalcomputer, for example.

With one aspect of the present invention, a manipulation input device isprovided that includes a projection component, a photodetector and aninclination determination component. The projection component isconfigured to project an image on a projection surface by scanning lightfrom a light source. The photodetector is configured to detect asscattered light the light reflected by a manipulation object that hasmoved into a specific detection range including the projection surface.The inclination determination component is configured to acquire, for aplurality of scan lines of the light, position information of themanipulation object that is specified based on scanning angleinformation when the photodetector has detected the scattered light, andwidth information of the manipulation object that corresponds to acontinuous detection duration during which the photodetectorcontinuously detects the scattered light, the inclination determinationcomponent being further configured to determine inclination of themanipulation object based on at least one of a temporal change in aplurality of sets of the width information and a temporal change in aplurality of sets of the position information.

With this aspect, the scattered light from the manipulation object onthe projection screen can be detected without using a plurality of lightreceiving elements. Furthermore, the plurality of sets of the widthinformation and the plurality of sets of the position informationcorresponding to various parts of the manipulation object can beacquired. Thus, user input manipulation using inclination informationabout the manipulation object can be performed based on the plurality ofsets of the width information and the plurality of sets of the positioninformation, without sacrificing user manipulation convenience andwithout complicating the device configuration.

The manipulation input device in accordance with one aspect of thepresent invention can further includes a processor configured to producea manipulation event based on the inclination of the manipulation objectdetermined by the inclination determination component.

With this aspect, the manipulation event can be produced based on theinclination of the manipulation object. Thus, designating displaycontent to be outputted to the projection surface or executing controlcontent of a computer, for example, can be performed by using themanipulation object to manipulate a desired position on the projectionsurface on which the image is displayed.

With the manipulation input device in accordance with one aspect of thepresent invention, the projection component can be further configuredproject the image on the projection surface by alternately scanning thelight in a main scanning direction that is perpendicular to a projectiondirection of the light, and in a sub-scanning direction that isperpendicular to the main scanning direction, and the inclinationdetermination component can be further configured to determine theinclination of the manipulation object in the sub-scanning directionaccording to a change rate in the width information with respect to achange in the scan lines.

With this aspect, since the change rate in the width information overthe plurality of the scan lines can be acquired, it is possible tocalculate the inclination of the manipulation object in the sub-scanningdirection.

With the manipulation input device in accordance with one aspect of thepresent invention, the inclination determination component can befurther configured to determine the inclination of the manipulationobject in the sub-scanning direction to be greater the larger is thechange rate in the width information.

With the manipulation input device in accordance with one aspect of thepresent invention, the projection component can be further configured toproject the image on the projection surface by alternately scanning thelight in a main scanning direction that is perpendicular to a projectiondirection of the light, and in a sub-scanning direction that isperpendicular to the main scanning direction, and the inclinationdetermination component is further configured to determine theinclination of the manipulation object in the main scanning directionaccording to a change rate in the position information with respect to achange in the scan lines.

With this aspect, since the change rate in the position information overthe plurality of the scan lines can be acquired, it is possible tocalculate the inclination of the manipulation object in the mainscanning direction.

With the manipulation input device in accordance with one aspect of thepresent invention, the inclination determination component can befurther configured to determine the inclination of the manipulationobject in the main scanning direction to be greater the larger is thechange rate in the position information.

Also, a manipulation input system in accordance with one aspect of thepresent invention includes the manipulation input device discussedabove, the manipulation object configured to indicate an input positionwithin the projection surface, and a manipulation display board on whichthe projection surface is displayed. The manipulation input device isfurther configured to change size of the image displayed at coordinatesof the manipulation object on the projection surface according to theinclination of the manipulation object determined by the inclinationdetermination component.

With this aspect, since the inclination information about themanipulation object can be effectively utilized, it is possible toprovide an application that is more convenient to the user by using thisinclination information.

Further, the present invention can be realized not only as themanipulation input device and the manipulation input system havingcharacteristic processors as described above, but also as an inclinationmanipulation input method having characteristic steps that executeprocessings by the characteristic processors included in themanipulation input device and manipulation input system. The presentinvention can also be realized as a program for causing a computer tofunction as the characteristic processors included in the manipulationinput device and manipulation input system, or a program that causes acomputer to execute the characteristic steps included in themanipulation input method. It should also go without saying that thisprogram can be distributed via a communications network such as theInternet, or a permanent recording medium that can be read by acomputer, such as a CD-ROM (compact disc-read only memory).

With the manipulation input device in accordance with one aspect of thepresent invention, the scattered light from the manipulation object overthe projected screen can be detected, and the plurality of sets of thewidth information and the plurality of sets of the position informationcorresponding to various parts of the manipulation object can beacquired, without using a plurality of light receiving elements. Thus,user input manipulation using inclination information about themanipulation object can be performed based on the plurality of sets ofthe width information and the plurality of sets of the positioninformation, without sacrificing user manipulation convenience andwithout complicating the device configuration.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term“comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to beopen ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words havingsimilar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and theirderivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or“element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of asingle part or a plurality of parts unless otherwise stated.

As used herein, the following directional terms “forward”, “rearward”,“front”, “rear”, “up”, “down”, “above”, “below”, “upward”, “downward”,“top”, “bottom”, “side”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “perpendicular” and“transverse” as well as any other similar directional terms refer tothose directions of a manipulation input device in an upright position.Accordingly, these directional terms, as utilized to describe themanipulation input device should be interpreted relative to amanipulation input device in an upright position on a horizontalsurface. Also, terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and“approximately” as used herein mean an amount of deviation of themodified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate thepresent invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that various changes and modifications can be madeherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined inthe appended claims. For example, unless specifically stated otherwise,the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components canbe changed as needed and/or desired so long as the changes do notsubstantially affect their intended function. Unless specifically statedotherwise, components that are shown directly connected or contactingeach other can have intermediate structures disposed between them solong as the changes do not substantially affect their intended function.The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versaunless specifically stated otherwise. The structures and functions ofone embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessaryfor all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the sametime. Every feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or incombination with other features, also should be considered a separatedescription of further inventions by the applicant, including thestructural and/or functional concepts embodied by such feature(s). Thus,the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the presentinvention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose oflimiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A manipulation input device comprising: aprojection component that projects an image on a projection surface byscanning light from a light source; a photodetector that detects asscattered light the light reflected by a manipulation object that hasmoved into a specific detection range including the projection surface;and an inclination determination component that acquires, for aplurality of scan lines of the light, a plurality of sets of positioninformation of the manipulation object that is specified based onscanning angle information when the photodetector has detected thescattered light, respectively, and acquires, for the plurality of thescan lines, a plurality of sets of width information of the manipulationobject that corresponds to a continuous detection duration during whichthe photodetector continuously detects the scattered light,respectively, the inclination determination component furtherdetermining inclination of the manipulation object with respect to adirection perpendicular to the projection surface based on at least oneset of temporal changes in the plurality of sets of the widthinformation for the plurality of the scan lines and temporal changes inthe plurality of sets of the position information for the plurality ofthe scan lines.
 2. The manipulation input device according to claim 1,further comprising a processor that produces a manipulation event basedon the inclination of the manipulation object determined by theinclination determination component.
 3. The manipulation input deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the projection component further projectsthe image on the projection surface by alternately scanning the light ina main scanning direction that is perpendicular to a projectiondirection of the light, and in a sub-scanning direction that isperpendicular to the main scanning direction, and the inclinationdetermination component further determines the inclination of themanipulation object in the sub-scanning direction according to a changerate in the width information with respect to a change in the scanlines.
 4. The manipulation input device according to claim 3, whereinthe inclination determination component further determines theinclination of the manipulation object in the sub-scanning direction tobe greater the larger is the change rate in the width information. 5.The manipulation input device according to claim 1, wherein theprojection component further projects the image on the projectionsurface by alternately scanning the light in a main scanning directionthat is perpendicular to a projection direction of the light, and in asub-scanning direction that is perpendicular to the main scanningdirection, and the inclination determination component furtherdetermines the inclination of the manipulation object in the mainscanning direction according to a change rate in the positioninformation with respect to a change in the scan lines.
 6. Themanipulation input device according to claim 5, wherein the inclinationdetermination component further determines the inclination of themanipulation object in the main scanning direction to be greater thelarger is the change rate in the position information.
 7. A manipulationinput system comprising: the manipulation input device according toclaim 1; the manipulation object that indicates an input position withinthe projection surface; and a manipulation display board on which theprojection surface is displayed, the manipulation input device furtherchanging size of the image displayed at coordinates of the manipulationobject on the projection surface according to the inclination of themanipulation object determined by the inclination determinationcomponent.
 8. A manipulation input method comprising: projecting animage on a projection surface by scanning light from a light source;detecting as scattered light the light reflected by a manipulationobject that has moved into a specific detection range including theprojection surface; determining, for a plurality of scan lines of thelight, a plurality of sets of position information of the manipulationobject based on scanning angle information when the scattered light hasbeen detected, respectively; acquiring, for the plurality of the scanlines, a plurality of sets of width information of the manipulationobject corresponding to a continuous detection duration during which thescattered light is continuously detected, respectively; and determininginclination of the manipulation object with respect to a directionperpendicular to the projection surface based on at least one set oftemporal changes in the plurality of sets of the position informationfor the plurality of the scan lines and temporal changes in theplurality of sets of the width information for the plurality of the scanlines.
 9. The manipulation input method according to claim 8, furthercomprising producing a manipulation event based on the inclination ofthe manipulation object.
 10. A manipulation input method comprising:projecting an image on a projection surface by scanning light from alight source; detecting as scattered light the light reflected by amanipulation object that has moved into a specific detection rangeincluding the projection surface; determining, for a plurality of scanlines of the light, position information of the manipulation objectbased on scanning angle information when the scattered light has beendetected; acquiring, for the plurality of the scan lines, widthinformation of the manipulation object corresponding to a continuousdetection duration during which the scattered light is continuouslydetected; and determining inclination of the manipulation object basedon at least one of a temporal change in a plurality of sets of theposition information and a temporal change in a plurality of sets of thewidth information, the determining of the inclination of themanipulation object further including determining the inclination of themanipulation object in a static state based on at least one of thetemporal change in the plurality of sets of the position information andthe temporal change in the plurality of sets of the width information,storing inclination information indicating the inclination of themanipulation object in the static state, determining the inclination ofthe manipulation object in a dynamic state based on at least one of thetemporal change in the plurality of sets of the position information andthe temporal change in the plurality of sets of the width informationwhile the inclination of the manipulation object changes dynamically,and calculating difference information of the inclination of themanipulation object based on inclination information indicating theinclination of the manipulation object in the dynamic state and theinclination information in the static state, and the producing of themanipulation event further including producing the manipulation eventbased on the difference information.